Warsaw’s Old Town Is Tempered by the Puro Stare Miasto Hotel

Reconstructed after World War II, Warsaw’s citadella-like Old Town is defined by picturesque squares, cobblestone streets, and grand neo-classical buildings. The UNESCO-site is undeniably one of the Polish capital’s main, if at times overrun, tourist attractions. With decidedly muted earth-tones and subtle textures, the recently opened Puro Warszawa Stare Miasto hotel offers a level of welcomed respite.

A minimalist dining area with a round stone table, two wooden chairs with brown leather seats, and a modern pendant light, opening to a neutral-toned living room with a sofa and lamp.

Known for its ability to cohere different cultural touchpoints, Copenhagen-based Danish-Italian design duo GamFratesi conceived the new address as a Scandinavian retreat, all while facilitating Polish hospitality. Nods to the surroundings’ resurrection eight decades ago are subtle but evident.

A modern living room with a brown leather sofa, a marble coffee table, armchairs, a striped rug, and large windows with sheer curtains.

The principles of simplicity and authenticity permeate through the 192-key hotel and its monumental semi-public spaces unfolding on ground level. Such a strategy works to also frame the stately nature of notable landmarks within its midst: the National Opera and Saski Square, among others.

Minimalist office space with a dark wooden desk, brass desk lamp, beige textured walls, and wooden panel accents.

A minimalist hallway with a stone console table, an open book, a ceramic lamp, and a blank white artwork on a beige wall, featuring neutral-toned tile flooring and warm lighting.

“During my years in Poland, I’ve noticed a growing appreciation for Scandinavian design and cuisine – and the connection between Poland and Scandinavia has only deepened over time,” says Rune Askevold, CEO and founder of the Puro boutique chain.

A modern cafe interior with wooden walls, a row of tables and chairs, a beige upholstered bench, and round wall lights.

“We’ve also previously introduced many Scandinavian brands to Poland, and we’ve seen how much our visitors enjoy and take inspiration from them. With this project, I wanted to take that further,” says Askevold. “We’ve celebrated our Norwegian and Scandinavian roots while blending them with local arts and the warmth of Polish reception.”

Modern bar interior with light brick walls and floor, a long wooden counter with bar stools, a large wine shelf, and a window letting in natural light.

Located within the street-facing enfilade of shared environments is MUND; an emphatically Scandinavian restaurant named for the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish word for mouth. On offer is a seasonal menu centered on reimagined regional classics such as smorrebrod. Here, there’s an unstuffy familial vibe drawing in both visitors and local regulars.

Minimalist dining room with a long wooden table, eight chairs, neutral tones, pendant lights, and open shelves displaying plates and ceramics. Natural light filters through sheer curtains.

Modern restaurant interior with wooden beams, brown seating, black tables, white chairs, and abstract art on the wall, featuring floor-to-ceiling mirrors dividing the space.

GamFratesi’s holistic design anchors in mid-tone Dinesen wood flooring. Custom build-outs intermix with a careful selection of furnishings from notable Danish brands Gubi, Louis Poulsen, LYFA, Bang & Olufsen, Audo Copenhagen, &Tradition, Carl Hansen & Son, Eikund, and Fredericia. Products specced from heritage Japanese manufacturer Koyori reveal another point of cross-cultural exchange.

Modern, minimalist lounge with wooden floors, rattan chairs, beige sofas, black tables, and abstract art on the walls; open shelving with pottery at the back.

A modern conference room features a large dark wood table, beige upholstered chairs, built-in wooden shelves, and a minimalist vase with branches as a centerpiece.

Tying together the “immediate yet enduring” atmosphere are bespoke cabinets, wall and ceiling panels, and slightly imperfect brick-like finishes that suggest a touch of the old; alluding to that intended sense of timelessness.

A modern living room with wood accents, neutral furniture, and a large window offering a city view featuring a clock tower.

“The PURO Warszawa Stare Miasto is a place where guests are treated as friends of the family, a place that allows them to become part of it and feel at home,” says Stine Gam, co-founder of GamFratesi.

View into a minimalistic bedroom with light wood walls, a neatly made bed, and a mounted TV in the hallway.

A modern bedroom corner with a wooden headboard, beige bedding, a small wooden side table, a cup, and a black wall-mounted lamp.

Inspired by local artist legend Bernardo Bellotto Canaletto and his near-utopian depiction of Warsaw – especially the eponymously named street running parallel to the hotel – the accommodations exude a sense of painterly stillness. The coherence of old and new – the historic charm of the setting and the state-of-art convenience of contemporary furnishings – makes for a lived-in feel. GamFratesi lent its expertise to every aspect of the outfit: from the finishes to the custom cosmetic and bath accessories.

Minimalist wooden desk with built-in shelves, a modern chair, and simple decor items including a teapot, mug, and small vases in a neutral-toned room.

A neutral-toned living room with a gray sofa, a round wooden coffee table, a small marble side table, a floor lamp, and a textured rug.

“Every piece – whether positioned in the rooms, lobby, bar, or restaurant-belongs here, each narrating a unique story of place and presence,” Askevold concludes. “At the heart of this vision lies a deep connection to the local art scene, a commitment that enables the showcasing of internationally renowned artists who have already left their mark on the global stage. The focus is on curating a collection of exceptional quality and value, featuring works by Karolina Bielawska, Agata Bogacka, Cezary Poniatowski, Cyryl Polaczek, and Emilia Kina.”

A wooden wardrobe with arched doorway sits behind a neatly made bed with white linens and a black wall-mounted lamp.

Modern bathroom with two stone sinks, two mirrors, wooden paneling, a white freestanding bathtub, and shelves holding towels and toiletries.

A modern white bathtub with a wooden tray holding two bottles and a bowl, set against wood-paneled walls and stone accents in a minimalist bathroom.

What: Puro Hotel Warszawa Stare Miasto
Where: Warsaw, Poland
How much: Rooms starting at $124
Design draws: A Scandinavian-style retreat in Warsaw’s storied Old Town wholly imagined by renowned design duo GamFratesi with soft Nordic touches and nods to local history.
Book it: Puro Hotel Warszawa Stare Miasto

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Photography courtesy of Pion Studio.

Adrian Madlener is a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design. With a particular focus on topics that exemplify the best in craft-led experimentation, he’s committed to supporting talents that push the envelope in various disciplines.